Troopers Investigate Single Vehicle Crash into Building, Newark

Newark, DE – Troopers are investigating a crash in which an operator drove his vehicle into a building yesterday afternoon.

The incident occurred around 2:06 p.m., Monday, November 21, 2016 as Thomas Harding, 73 of Bear, was operating a 2011 Kia Sorento in the parking lot of McDonald’s located at 4160 Ogletown-Stanton Road (SR4), Newark. As the Kia backed out of a parking space it continued across the parking lot and drive thru lane. The Kia continued and struck the building with its rear bumper stopping just inside McDonald’s. As a result one patron was struck by the vehicle and another was struck by a table. One other person was able to jump out of the way to avoid being struck.

Thomas Harding, the driver of the Kia, did not recognize his vehicle was still in reverse. He and his passenger, Judith Harding, were uninjured in the collision. He was cited for Careless driving.

Two patrons Michael Riastick,31 of Bear, and Kevin Thompson, 24 of Florida, were treated at the scene by the New Castle County Paramedics. Both were then removed from the scene and transported to the Christiana Hospital Trauma Center where they sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Sonny Riastick, 29 of Bear, the third patron, was uninjured in the crash.